If someone is indicted, it means they have been formally accused of committing a crime. An indictment is a formal accusation issued by a grand jury or a prosecuting authority that there is enough evidence to charge the person and proceed with a criminal case. It is important to understand that being indicted does not mean the person is guilty; it indicates the legal process is beginning, and the accused will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court.

What an Indictment Means

• It is a formal charge signaling that prosecutors believe there is probable cause to charge someone with a crime, typically a serious offense like a felony.
• A grand jury usually reviews the evidence to decide if an indictment should be issued.
• The individual is officially accused and may be arrested or summoned to court.
• The indictment initiates the criminal trial process, though guilt or innocence is not determined at this stage.

Legal Process After Indictment

• After an indictment, an arraignment hearing is held where the accused is informed of the charges and enters a plea (guilty or not guilty).
• The case then proceeds through pre-trial and possibly to a trial where evidence is presented.
• A conviction means the accused is found guilty beyond reasonable doubt, which is different from the indictment stage.

In summary, being indicted means a formal criminal charge has been made based on sufficient evidence to move forward with prosecution, not that the person is guilty.